IN ACTION

Touching land’s IN ACTION program is a KNOW YOUR RIGHTS curriculum.  It was created as a response to the tragic reality that migrant communities are extremely vulnerable in the face of current immigration policies as they lack knowledge of their basic human and legal rights. Our undocumented population in NYC is in the millions and entrenched deeply in the roots of this city.  Most families are considered mixed status, yet still don’t know what to do if an ICE agent shows up at their door. Touchin land works specifically to educate and connect these communities to learn vital knowledge in the face of unwarranted situations, while encouraging the process of healing and creativity as they keep their hands busy deep in clay.

Students also learn that working with clay is a highly therapeutic medium.  When they begin to dig their hands into the clay, they are using their brain in a kinesthetic way - producing endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Studies have shown that stress and cortisol greatly decreases after a short time engaging with clay.  In this sense, the brain is relaxed to absorb vital information they would otherwise be unable to digest under duress.

Once this safe and relaxed space is created, legal knowledge can be introduced. It is taught in a relatable way with multiple examples and in a conversational way. Because the students are engaging with their hands, they are able to be less self conscious and ask questions until they master the information.  They see a specific beauty unleashed as they dig, mold and shape the clay. Conversation ensues, some let their hands tell the story while others meticulously observe and think. Most often student share stories of their youth and memories of dirt in their native country.

Participants leave the 4 session class with an object that they imagined, shaped, fired and glazed. The power to create is translated in the power that comes with understanding your rights and standing up for those rights.

Drawing made by: Iliana Illustration